Community café opens in Milnrow

The River Beal Café in Milnrow

A not-for-profit community café has opened in Milnrow, providing work and volunteering opportunities for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

After 15 months’ delay, The River Beal Café has been opened by local care provider Future Directions CIC, which recently opened a new extra care service supporting people with a range of needs.

Read more: Independent living accommodation officially opened in MilnrowPublished: 01 April 2021

The purpose of the café is to bring people together and provide a hub for the local community where people can build meaningful connections, share interests with one another, and help reduce social isolation – a purpose made even more meaningful after the difficult year everyone has faced.

The menu includes fresh, made-to-order sandwiches and wraps, along with pies, cakes, salads, and a range of hot and cold drinks, including slushies.

The café is part of the Chatty Café and Rochdale Safe Places schemes, as well as having a children’s play area. The Chatty Café scheme has a ‘chatter and natter’ table where customers can sit if they are happy to talk to other customers, whereas the Rochdale Safe Place Scheme is a voluntary system that allows vulnerable people, such as those with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions, to seek refuge in a safe and supportive environment.

Read more: Rochdale Safe Place Scheme enables vulnerable people to find a safe place anywhere in the boroughPublished: 13 February 2021

The River Beal Café is at 14 Ladybarn Lane, Milnrow, Rochdale, OL16 4GQ.